The first New Zealand apples head for international markets
Apples are now being harvested in New Zealand, with the first of T&G Global’s apples being exported to consumers in Vietnam, Hong Kong, Malaysia, Taiwan, Indonesia and Thailand.
The season starts with early apple varieties, poppi and royal gala, followed by Pacific Queen, Jazz and Envy brands. T&G’s orchard teams and network of partner-growers are busy harvesting apples from trees in Hawke’s Bay, Gisborne, Nelson and Central Otago, according to a news release.
Despite Cyclone Gabrielle significantly affecting parts of the North Island of New Zealand in February, there is a great crop of fruit on the trees, said Craig Betty, T&G’s director of operations.
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“While some orchards in Hawke’s Bay and Gisborne were impacted, there are orchards in those areas which were completely untouched — and the fruit we’ve already harvested and shipped to our customers in Asia looks great. With the balance of our crop due to be harvested throughout March and April, we look forward to seeing our premium brands continue to develop good color and size over the coming weeks,” Betty said in the release.
The cyclone bypassed New Zealand’s South Island. Following a hot summer, there has been nice ripening and color on Jazz and Envy brand apples, Betty added.
“We will soon commission our new state-of-the-art automated packhouse in the Hawke’s Bay. As one of the largest packhouses in the Southern Hemisphere, it will further enable us to get the best out of the regions’ harvest, both this season and into the future, and ensure Kiwis and consumers in over 60 global markets can enjoy our great tasting premium apples,” Betty said in the release.
